This article will provide you with information on where to seek advice on sexual health and contraception.
Sexual Health Clinics
Solent Sexual Health Services is based at St Mary’s Community Health Campus and you can contact them confidentially on 0300 300 2016, or visit the NHS Let's Talk About It site. You can get advice on contraception, Sexual Health (including testing and treatment) and free condoms at the clinic by booking an appointment. You can book online or by telephone.
Doctors' surgeries
The doctors’ surgery that you registered with when you arrived in Portsmouth will be able to advise you about contraception, and will be able to prescribe for you where appropriate. If they are unable to provide you with a Long Acting Reversible Contraception (i.e. LARC or Fit and Forget Method), like the coil or implant, they should be able to refer you to another practice or the sexual health service. Contact the surgery reception for an appointment, where you will have the opportunity to tell them what you require an appointment for to ensure that you can speak to the relevant person. Some practices may also be part of the condom distribution scheme.
Sexual Health Advice
National Sexual Health Helpline
Ifyou would like to talk to someone about a sexual health issue, you cancall the national sexual health helpline free on 0300 123 7123. Your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. The Sexual Health Helpline is open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday.
For more information on Contraception, STIs, safer sex, please visit Let's Talk About It or Sexwise.
Emergency contraception
You can get emergency contraception (known as the morning after pill) from many pharmacies, your GP, Solent Sexual Health Services at St Mary’s Community Health Campus (please call to book an appointment), walk in centres, or, if no other service is available, via the emergency department at Queen Alexandra Hospital. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is. Emergency contraception may be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex, although free emergency contraception is only available from pharmacy within 72 hours. If it has been longer than 120 hours, then you will need to speak to the sexual health service who may be able to offer the Coil as a form of emergency contraception if clinically appropriate.
Some pharmacies are able to provide Emergency Contraception, as long as they are registered to do so and there is a trained pharmacist available. Please ring the pharmacy before going to check the trained pharmacist is available. Pharmacies are only able to provide emergency contraception up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. If there is no trained pharmacist available, then you may be able to purchase emergency contraception. Prices vary from approximately £25 upwards. If you are unable to access a pharmacy for emergency contraception, you can attend alternative venues listed above
Online Services
You can also order an STI testing kits, which is delivered discreetly to your, contain full instructions, and are completely free. You will be contacted with your results. For more information and to order please visit this website.
Residents of Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton can order up to 16 condoms every 6 weeks, which are delivered to your door for free in discreet packaging (click here).